Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington’s Freezefest brought the community together at Switchyard Park on Jan.

23 as ice carvers created playful sculptures and fixed a broken piece with water glue while a chili cook-off warmed bundled-up attendees in near 8°F weather with wind chills of -2°F.

Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh said Indiana’s historic championship season is too immediate and real to be made into a traditional film (they proposed a documentary might capture the moment better) as waiting would offer a fresher perspective.

Indiana University researchers published a study on Jan.

23 showing that rats replay episodic memories by identifying scents in distinct tests (this work may pave the way for future studies on memory disorders).

A false active shooter threat prompted MCCSC to lock down all 23 schools on Jan.

22, but a server issue delayed text alerts so some families received initial notifications at 2:04 p.m. High and middle schools were updated by 2:30 p.m. while elementary families were informed by 3 p.m.

Residents in Bloomington rushed to shops on Friday to prepare for a forecast storm expected to bring up to 10 inches of snow and near-freezing temperatures this weekend (with high demand for groceries, shovels, ice melt, and sleds).

Indiana wrestling was shut out 48-0 in a dual meet at University Park on Friday night, with the team earning only three takedowns.

The Hoosiers moved to 1-2 in conference play and will face Michigan State Sunday at 2 p.m. in Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington.

The Indiana men’s basketball team beat Rutgers 82-59 on Friday night, snapping a four-game skid and a five-loss streak against the Scarlet Knights.

Lamar Wilkerson led with 27 points while Tucker DeVries and Nick Dorn each scored over 20 as the team's strong defense kept Rutgers to 59 points.

Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza declared for the NFL Draft after an outstanding season that saw him set school records and win the Heisman Trophy.

Mendoza (widely viewed as the top pick candidate) will enter the NFL Draft scheduled for April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh.

Redshirt sophomore guard Lenée Beaumont scored 20 points in Indiana's 81-67 loss to No. 12 Ohio State at Schottenstein Center last Thursday.

Coach Teri Moren said Beaumont must deliver consistent scoring as the team prepares to face Purdue (a critical Big Ten match) next.

Left tackle Carter Smith announced on Friday that he will return for his fifth season with the Hoosiers in Bloomington — bypassing the NFL Draft.

Smith, who started all 41 games since redshirting in 2022, earned the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award in 2025.

Purdue football coach Barry Odom texted IU coach Curt Cignetti after the Hoosiers won the national championship by defeating Miami — a win that highlighted Purdue’s tough challenge in the Big Ten.

Falun Dafa Meditation Workshop

5-6:30 p.m. — Indiana Memorial Union — Free entry — Discover the peaceful practices of Falun Dafa through meditation and exercises.

Umphrey's McGee Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Bluebird — $86-$144 — Enjoy an electrifying evening with live music from Umphrey's McGee at a popular local venue.

Dakota Curtis & The Dark / Dandelioness / Paul Bertsch Band

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $13.60 — Celebrate new music releases from three local acts with an enjoyable evening of live performances.

Indiana Vintage Market

All day — Monroe Convention Center — Check for ticket prices — Discover unique treasures and vintage finds at this beloved market event.

Bloomington Polar Plunge

10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Indiana University Memorial Stadium — Check website for registration details — Take the plunge to support Special Olympics athletes in a thrilling and chilly challenge.

The World According to Sound

7-9 p.m. — Indiana Memorial Union — Free entry — Experience a unique sonic journey that transforms academic inquiry into immersive soundscapes.

American Pirates Album Release

8-10 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $11.33 — Experience a surreal night of music with American Pirates and enjoy Food and Folklore.

Oregon Ducks vs. Indiana Hoosiers Women's Basketball

1-3 p.m. — Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall — Affordable tickets available — Don't miss this exciting clash between the Ducks and Hoosiers in a thrilling women's basketball showdown.